Empowering Women: Embracing Self-Discovery Beyond ADHD Stereotypes
If you're a woman navigating the realm of ADHD, you'll find that its impact reaches well beyond stereotypes, shaping different aspects of your life. From your personal growth to societal expectations, this journey becomes a profound exploration of self-discovery, breaking free from the constraints of conventional norms.
A quick note
In this post, we'll be going over some common signs of ADHD to offer valuable insights on potential indicators of ADHD in Women. It's important to keep in mind that this information is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, but rather a way to increase awareness and encourage open discussions that can lead to seeking the right professional help.
Seeking understanding
I know you've landed on this article because there's a persistent feeling that something might be a bit different or off in your daily experiences. You're here seeking information, hoping to untangle the reasons behind those unique things you do or the distinct way you think. Perhaps, you're wondering if ADHD might be the missing puzzle piece to what you're feeling and dealing with day to day. With this blog post, I hope you feel seen in your experiences, or perhaps you get to rule out ADHD altogether. Whether you find validation or clarity, this post is designed as a compassionate companion on your self-discovery journey, offering insights and support as you navigate the complexities of your unique experience.
ADHD definitions and stereotypes
We've all come across the stereotypical image of hyperactivity associated with ADHD, but the truth is, ADHD reveals itself in various ways, creating a challenge in identification and diagnosis, especially among young girls and women. If you're a woman facing the day-to-day hurdles of ADHD, you might feel as though you’re left to fend for yourself, your symptoms and feelings are often brushed aside or misunderstood. Picture those moments when you catch yourself lost in daydreams during crucial tasks, struggling to maintain focus on work or studies. It's possible that these moments have been dismissed as mere laziness or procrastination. It's crucial to recognize, though, that you're not alone; countless women navigate life with undiagnosed ADHD, just like you. Here, you're embarking on a journey to discover strategies that can offer valuable insights, helping you understand yourself better.
Now, let's talk about what ADHD is often simplified to, a description that we've likely heard countless times:
ADHD is a condition characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning or development. People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused, staying organized, and completing tasks, which is not due to defiance or lack of understanding. Hyperactivity can manifest as constant movement, fidgeting, tapping, or talking at inappropriate times. Impulsivity in ADHD can involve acting without thinking, struggling with self-control, and having difficulty delaying gratification. (National Institute of Mental Health).
When we think about ADHD, it's usually the image of a super active young boy, bursting with energy and bouncing off the walls, something like the definition above. But what we don't hear much about are stories like yours – the experiences of young girls, doing their best to meet others' expectations. Or, experiences of moms, struggling with the overflow of emotions and overwhelming feelings of having to juggle deadlines at work, fulfilling their household tasks and being the best mom they can be.
Stories like yours often go unnoticed. Your experiences matter, and it's crucial to acknowledge that ADHD isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario.
These examples really bring to light the misunderstandings about ADHD. It's like we haven't done enough digging and understanding, so we're left with this narrow idea of what people think ADHD "should" be. But the truth is, ADHD is way more than just being hyperactive; it's a whole range of experiences and challenges that go beyond what most people might think.
Dismantling these stereotypes is essential, especially when you think about the severe health risks linked to untreated ADHD. Can you believe that not addressing ADHD could potentially cut down life expectancy by as much as 22 years? (Barkley, Fisher, 2018) It's a big worry that we really shouldn't overlook.
The widely held image of hyperactive boys can create hurdles for girls and women seeking a diagnosis, especially when their symptoms diverge from conventional expectations. It's time to dismantle the stigma around ADHD and increase awareness of how uniquely it affects girls and women. Your experience is valid, and understanding it is a crucial part of your journey.
Growing up with ADHD
Growing up as a young girl, you probably went unnoticed, putting in the effort to blend in, often finding yourself daydreaming in class but nonetheless doing what everyone thought you 'should' do. You'd spend hours on things like devouring several books over one summer, not realizing that it was just your knack for hyperfocusing.
People might have seen you as the smart, bookish, and ambitious type, but deep down, you often felt lazy because concentrating and finishing tasks were a struggle.
There was this constant pressure to have it all together, to be the overachiever. You often hid your real feelings just to meet those standards, maybe even convincing yourself that what you were going through was just a normal part of growing up. It never crossed your mind back then that you could have ADHD, just like those restless boys in your class.
Growing up, those feelings stuck around.
The never-ending stream of assignments made you feel suffocated by overwhelm. It was a toss-up between trying to tackle everything at once or being stuck in bed, unable to budge. Simple tasks that should've taken minutes or a few hours somehow turned into multiday struggles. You'd always find yourself racing against the clock, finishing things only at the very last second, but you just shrugged it off as your usual procrastination routine.
Balancing friends and school was like walking a tightrope, especially when exams rolled in. You often came off as distant or even rude, cutting off all outside communication because failing was never an option, and you needed every ounce of focus you could muster. High school and college years were often clouded with bouts of depression and anxiety, maybe even diagnosed with either. ADHD never even crossed your mind, probably because no one ever talked about it or described what you were feeling.
As an adult, your life long challenge with meeting deadlines continues. You always know that there’s something you know you should be doing- and you truly want to do - but you just can’t seem to get it done is a guilt inducing feeling that constantly haunts you. In this way, you feel as though you often take the time to relax but you never really feel at ease and rested as the haunting feeling of needing to be productive all the time constantly casts a cloud over you.
Every single thing you haven’t done constantly haunts you. You constantly lose track of time, avoid difficult projects, start things you never finish, forget where you put things, get distracted, forget things- it aggravates you and it’s constant. This constant worry manifests itself into anxiety which is simply what you characterize it as.
These days, it seems to be that ADHD is ‘trendy’. Rather, I believe that it’s simply gaining more awareness. As a society, we start to see how ADHD doesn’t only manifest itself as hyperactivity in young boys.
We finally started to notice how young girls often go unnoticed and almost chameleon-like into adulthood before they even contemplate the thought of ADHD. Oftentimes, it’s characterized as anxiety, and it even often goes wrongly medicated as anxiety.
In wrapping up, we've explored the signs and symptoms associated with ADHD, aiming to offer insights for potential recognition.
Remember, this information doesn't replace professional diagnosis but serves to raise awareness and encourage seeking appropriate guidance. Whether diagnosed or not, therapy can be a valuable resource for navigating these challenges. Your journey is valid, and with support, understanding, and the right resources, you can navigate it successfully.
If you feel that sharing your struggles and journey with ADHD could bring you comfort and guidance, know that our dedicated team at WillowBee Psychotherapy is here for you, every step of the way. Our therapists are eager to walk alongside you, offering valuable resources and techniques to help you heal from past hurts and create a life that resonates with your true self, all while nurturing meaningful connections with both yourself and others. Remember, your unique story deserves understanding and support, and we're here to provide just that.
